Conservative budget forecasts indicate that in approximately six years, the NCPRD General Fund will not be sufficient to cover the cost of District operations without an increase in revenue or program reductions. To build a structurally sound budget and extend the life of available funding, the District has identified program and service reductions totaling 33% for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Why are these budget reductions necessary?

District revenues are not keeping pace with expenditures, which are rapidly increasing with inflation. Our primary source of revenue—a permanent tax rate of 54 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value— has not increased since the District was formed. Although NCPRD has taken proactive steps to manage rising costs, savings have been used to offset escalating expenditures to preserve community services and programs. This is no longer a sustainable approach according to long-term financial projections.

How does NCPRD’s funding compare to other park districts?

NCPRD has the lowest permanent tax rate among park districts in Oregon. For comparison (per $1,000 of assessed property value): 

• North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District: $0.54
• Bend Park and Recreation District: $1.46
• Willamalane Park and Recreation District: $2.01
• Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District: $1.81 

This means neighboring districts receive more than double the funding. See chart for comparison.
 

How were budget decisions made?

All programs and services are important to our community. In prioritizing limited resources, NCPRD focused on programs that best support our mission: enriching community vitality and promoting healthy living through parks and recreation.
 

What programs and services are affected?

As part of the budget reductions, seven filled staff positions and two vacant positions will be eliminated across the following areas: maintenance, social services, transportation, planning, and administration. Outlined below are service impacts to the community: 

• Reduced maintenance, irrigation, and turf care in parks
• Milwaukie Community Center: Reduced to 4 days/week (as of January 1, 2026)
• Elimination of the Older Adult Transportation Program (as of January 1, 2026)
• Cancellation of the RecMobile outreach program
• Reduction of Concerts in the Park events by one

NCPRD is working with community partners to identify potential strategies for restoring some services and programs in the future.
 

How will this affect parks in the District?

NCPRD remains committed to safe, clean, and welcoming parks. However, visitors may notice: 

• Less frequent mowing and irrigation
• Reduced irrigation in areas with mature landscaping
• Temporary closures of restrooms in certain parks
   

What will change at community centers?

• Milwaukie Community Center (MCC): Will remain a vital resource, continuing to offer recreational programs and essential services like Meals on Wheels. Starting January 2026, it will operate four days per week. The Transportation Program—including travel trips and shuttle services—will be discontinued as of December 31, 2025.
• Concord Community Center: Opening fall 2025 with public access in the morning (free), community events, and recreational programming beginning winter 2025-26.
   

If NCPRD is facing funding shortfalls, how can it still purchase properties or move forward with capital projects?

This is a common and important question. NCPRD’s funding for day-to-day operations is completely separate from the funding used for capital projects such as property acquisition or park construction. 

• Operational funds come from NCPRD’s permanent tax rate of $0.54 per $1,000 of assessed value. These funds are used to support recreation programs, staffing, and ongoing maintenance of parks and facilities.
• Capital project funds come from sources such as System Development Charges (SDCs), grants, and other one-time funding sources. These funds are restricted and cannot be used for operations. Also, NCPRD sold two properties in 2024 (Wichita Center and Clackamas Elementary School) and committed to reinvesting these funds to provide service in park deficient areas; sale proceeds have been reserved for this purpose.
   

Thank you for your support 

NCPRD deeply appreciates your continued support as we navigate these challenges and work toward a more sustainable financial future for NCPRD.